Katie Hensien Sölden 2024: GEPA pictures
After Injury, A Triumphant Return in Sölden
Stifel US Ski Team’s Katie Hensien, who missed the entire 2023-24 ski season due to a knee injury, made a spectacular World Cup comeback at the 2024-25 season opener in Sölden, Austria. After a challenging year of rehabilitation and training, she surprised everyone by finishing fourth in the Giant Slalom race, marking her best World Cup result yet—and a historic day for U.S. women, who placed four skiers in the top 11.
“Everything fell into place,” she said, reflecting on her race day. “Training beforehand had been good, but I didn’t have a lot of expectations going into the race. I just knew I had to trust my skiing.”
Confidence and Calm on Race Day
Hensien started her comeback with bib 47, a position that placed her well back in the lineup. But she skied confidently, moving into 17th place after her first run. When she saw her result on the scoreboard, disbelief and joy filled the moment. “I remember going across the finish line and hearing silence,” she recalled. “I thought, ‘Oh, no, it was bad.’ Then I looked up and saw my time—oh, my God, it wasn’t that bad!”
Staying focused between runs proved crucial. With guidance from her ski serviceman, Tadej Kunc, she kept things simple. “I didn’t feel a lot of pressure. I just trusted my skiing from the first run and aimed to take advantage of the good conditions,” she explained. Kunc reminded her to “keep it chill,” a reassurance that helped her adopt a calm, almost zen-like mindset. “I’ve never felt so zen before a second run,” she said. “It wasn’t nervous energy, just exciting butterflies. I knew I was getting a clean course, so I was ready to make the most of it.”
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Executing the Best Run of Her Life
When the gate opened for her second run, Hensien skied with power and precision, delivering the fastest second-run time. She moved up an incredible 13 places, climbing to fourth. Her performance felt exhilarating, even to her. “From top to bottom, I executed the line I wanted,” she said. “On the pitch, I kept early pressure, released the ski onto the flats, and thought, ‘This is going pretty fast.’”
As she crossed the finish line, the crowd roared, and she looked up to see she was in first place with a green light by her name. “Seeing green on the timing board and realizing I was in first was overwhelming,” she said. “I sat in the leader’s chair, watching my name climb higher and higher.” Pride and disbelief filled the moment as she saw her position rise on the leaderboard.
A Team Milestone and Unforgettable Celebration
Hensien’s fourth-place finish marked both a personal triumph and a team milestone. All four top American skiers—Hensien, Mikaela Shiffrin, Nina O’Brien and Paula Moltzan—finished in the top 11, a feat not seen in two decades. The significance of the day wasn’t lost on her. “We have such a good team and support system. To have all of us in the top 11 was a proud moment for U.S. women’s skiing,” she said.
After the race, Hensien and her teammates gathered to celebrate. Her parents flew in to witness her comeback, a surprise that meant the world to her. “My parents had booked their tickets long before I knew, and they surprised me,” she revealed. “We all cried together—it was a day full of emotions.” The celebration continued with a team dinner, where everyone shared in the joy of the day’s accomplishments. “We celebrated, enjoyed ourselves, and took in the moment together,” she said. “It was one of those days you don’t forget.”
Building Confidence for the Season Ahead
With this remarkable result, Hensien heads into the season with renewed confidence. Known primarily for her slalom skills, she has now proven her potential in Giant Slalom as well. “I think I proved to myself that I belong up there,” she said. “An injury doesn’t define your career—you can overcome it and get back.” This result has strengthened her resolve, showing her that she can compete at the highest level despite the setbacks.
Looking forward to the upcoming slalom race in Levi, Finland, Hensien feels eager to carry her momentum forward. Although her slalom hasn’t come back as quickly in training, she remains optimistic. “Slalom is a different beast, you need the reps and it might take more time,” she admitted, “but I’ll keep working hard in training and see what happens.” Her goal is to trust her skills and let the results come naturally.
A Path Forged at the University of Denver
Hensien credits her time at the University of Denver as a significant influence on her journey to the World Cup circuit. “DU ( University of Denver) was a huge part of my journey. Balancing college skiing with my goals on the World Cup taught me resilience,” she explained. During her four years at DU, she trained alongside some of the best collegiate athletes, developing her skills and mindset.
Reflecting on those years, she noted how challenging yet rewarding the college experience was. “As any college skier knows, balancing academics with skiing isn’t easy. But I found a way that worked for me, surrounded by teammates and coaches who shared my goals.” Her time at DU helped her become a well-rounded athlete, instilling a strong work ethic and dedication to her sport that has carried her through both triumphs and setbacks.
Looking Ahead
Hensien’s comeback in Sölden stands as a testament to her hard work, resilience, and the unwavering support of her team and family. Her journey reminds us what’s possible with grit and determination. She’s already looking forward to the rest of the season, embracing the exciting challenges that lie ahead.
As Hensien moves forward in the 2024-25 season, her belief in herself is stronger than ever. For ski racing fans, her journey marks the beginning of an exciting season.
About the Author: Peter Lange
